Cast
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Robert Ginty
as J.F. Cooper
Merete Van Kamp
as Sydney Borghini
Cameron Mitchell
as Harry
Olivia d'Abo
as Rebel Girl
Henry Darrow
as Senor Borghini
Brooke Bundy
as Katie
Sandy Baron
as Bingo Thomas
Clement von Franckenstein
as Ian Kennedy
Eduardo López Rojas
as President Ariban
Sonny Shields
as Mercenary #2
Walter Mathews
as Foreman
David Kaufman
as Glenn
Crew
Director
- David Winters
Writer
- David Winters
Producer
- David Winters
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Crime/Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Mission Kill distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director David Winters brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mission Kill took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mission Kill shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Last Samurai, which focuses more on action than character development, Mission Kill offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like In the Name of the King III and The Substitute explore similar territory, Mission Kill stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 19, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 37m
